It’s that time of year again; decorations are going up; Palmerston’s Christmas Tree is lit, and the festivities have begun.

City of Palmerston’s annual Carols and Tree Lighting event kicked off the festive season on Saturday 24 November, bringing over 900 people into the City Centre.  

City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said the event is a big part of many Palmerston families’ Christmas celebrations. 

“Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and it was pleasing to see so many residents join us for the start of our festivities on the weekend. I encourage people to make the most of Christmas in Palmerston and enjoy the wonderful free events and activities on offer for the whole family,” she said.

“So enjoy the start of the festive season in Palmerston and I’d like to wish all residents a safe and very Merry Christmas,” Mayor Pascoe-Bell added.

In line with the Christmas spirit Council will introduce free parking in the City Centre from Monday 3 December 2018 until Friday 4 January 2019, to support local businesses and encourage community members to dine and shop in Palmerston. Signage is in place in parking areas and on meters; get out and about in Palmerston, but please note – there is no cost however the time allowed remains the same.

To help make Christmas more of a celebration for those in need, City of Palmerston Library is supporting the Foodbank NT Christmas Drive, with the library as a collection point and Council encourages residents to donate food items if they are able to. Non-perishable items include canned foods, long-life milk, cereals, pasta and condiments. Food donations can be delivered to the library during opening hours.

“Now is the time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. We encourage residents to consider those who may not be enjoying the same cheerful celebrations many of us have leading up to and on Christmas Day, and if you can, please donate much-needed food items to help bring joy to those in need,” said Mayor Pascoe-Bell.

The Palmerston Library will also be offering free family Christmas craft activities from Tuesday 18 December until Thursday 20 December. Sessions are 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Other Palmerston school holidays activities include a pool party, youth drop-in sport sessions at the Palmerston Recreation Centre, craft, cooking and dance sessions. The full calendar of events, produced by the Northern Territory Government with support from Council, will be available soon. 

Council office and facilities, including the Palmerston Recreation Centre and Library will be closed from 12.00pm on Monday 24 December 2018, reopening 2 January 2019. However, call-out and emergency services will continue to be available, as required.

The Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre will continue usual operating hours, as will Archer Waste Management Facility, with the facility also now opening on Tuesday 25 December from 8.00am to 2.00pm. Kerbside waste collection services will operate as usual including Christmas Day.